I'm writing from the United Arab Emirates to share news of the launch of our new partnerships in Dubai. Today in a ceremony under the patronage of His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we signed agreements to formally establish our presence here.

Alan Schwartz, of Duke's Board of Trustees and formerly the Chair of Fuqua's Board of Visitors, was able to join us for the occasion. Our regional team in Dubai – Regional Director Jonathan Barnett, Senior Manager Patricia McCall – was also on hand to greet the assembled dignitaries, supporters, and media.

When we announced our global strategy last September, the world was on the brink of the financial crisis that we're all familiar with today. Events of the last eight months have only served to reinforce the need for the kind of international scope we're working to create with global partnerships – like the ones we're formalizing today in Dubai.

Today's event is an important step in realizing the global presence of Duke University, and the collaborations we are establishing – here in Dubai, in the UK, China, India, and Russia – place Fuqua in the world's most important business and cultural centers.

Further details of our partnerships in Dubai can be found here (English | Arabic) and video and photographs of today's launch event will be posted on our website when they are available.